With all the '80s has-beens, isn't it almost weird that Malcolm Jamal Warner quietly sidestepped being a VH-1 joke? None of those other Cosby Show kids really went anywhere...minus Lisa Bonet, who just went and married Lenny Kravitz. Warner laid low, did some forgettable series without much scathing, directed a New Edition video and played in a jazz band. So if you're a little starstruck as he comes to Dallas, then at least its with good reason. Warner will host the Texas Black Academy of Arts and Letters 32nd season opener Poets 'N' Jazz #1. TBAAL calls it a spectacular night of live jazz and spoken word from some of America's best poets, and I dunno, I think take their word for it. TBAAL does have it going on with their eclectic roster of shows and events, after all. Plus, I imagine the ironic hipness of Warner will amp up the festivities. Not so much if it was say...Danny Pintauro (Yeah, we're talking about the boy from Who's the Boss?, a much more appropriate I Love the '80s punch line). Warner hosts Poets 'N' Jazz #1 at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Dallas Convention Center's Naomi Bruton Stage, located in the center at Canton and Akard streets. Tickets are $10. Call 214-743-2400 or visit tbaal.org.
Sat., Sept. 27, 8 p.m., 2008